Jim Chalmers overrules ATO’s controversial ban on credit card payments following business outcry

<p>Treasurer earmarks funds for year-long transition period for tax office, delaying ban’s 30 November start date</p><ul><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">new political email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p>A controversial ban on <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/oct/08/calls-ato-to-reverse-credit-card-surcharge-ban-small-business-backlash">credit card payments on tax bills</a> will be delayed by more than six months, after the federal government overruled the tax office and announced new stopgap funding.</p><p>The treasurer, Jim Chalmers, announced extra funding on Friday, after days of criticism and calls from small business to halt the ban.</p><p><strong><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/aug/28/politics-really-newsletter-guardian-australia-free-best-daily-auspol-email-subscribe?CMP=copyembed">Sign up for Guardian Australia’s Politics, really newsletter here</a></strong></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/oct/09/chalmers-delays-controversial-credit-card-ban-business-tax">Continue reading...</a>